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The Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC) is part of the National Plant Germplasm System, a network of organizations and people dedicated to preserving the genetic diversity of crop plants.

The OPGC is a joint effort of the USDA-ARS and The Ohio State University's Department of Horticulture and Crop Science. Financial support is provided through the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative of the ARS.

Mission and Goals

Our mission is to conserve genetically-diverse herbaceous plant germplasm and associated information, conduct germplasm-related research, and encourage the use of germplasm and associated information for research, crop improvement and product development.   

Our goals are to acquire, document, maintain, characterize and distribute herbaceous ornamental genetic resources and associated information for conservation, and to enhance scientific research as well as the floriculture and nursery industry. 

News

  1. Exploring Ohio's Native Ornamentals: OPGC Field Season Underway

    Jul 6, 2026

    The Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC) has initiated a new native plant exploration project supported by a USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant Exploration Grant. The project aims to document and conserve the genetic diversity of Ohio's native herbaceous ornamental plants for long-term preservation within the USDA National Plant Germplasm System.

  2. OPGC Helps Inspire Young Learners Through Hands-On Plant Science Activities

    Jun 22, 2026

    On May 4–5, approximately 100 second-grade students, from Bishop Elementary School in Dublin, Ohio, participated in a year-end field trip hosted by OPGC that featured hands-on learning opportunities focused on food production and agriculture.

  3. Cultivating Curiosity at We Grow Scientists

    Jun 8, 2026

    Staff and students from the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC) participated in the fourth annual “We Grow Scientists” community outreach event on April 29, 2026. The event, hosted by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, was part of the COSI Science Festival. The event drew more than 800 attendees who explored interactive stations highlighting STEAM education across CFAES.